Return to Malibu - PSL for Arthur

[starknaked]

After certain delightful interludes in the office, as well as teasing the pointman rather mercilessly on the plane ride back to Malibu through teasing looks and comments that wouldn't mean much to anyone but him and Arthur, Tony found himself ready to do nothing but avoid work.

Which left him in a precarious position because he wasn't entirely trying to avoid Arthur.

Sleeping in, he had taken calls he couldn't avoid, made one to Mal that revealed nothing but was designed to ensure she wanted to know more. Having planted that idea in her head, he considered his options. In the end, he went down to the lab.

Surrounded by work, by Dummy and parts and things that could well explode, the chances were good that even if Arthur did seek him out, this would not be a place for the sort of work they were meant to do. It wasn't that he didn't want his mind militarized and protected to keep the suit safe. It was that he was certain that Arthur would do his job, do it quickly and efficiently, and he wasn't quite sure he was ready to let him leave his life. Not yet.

Comments

[specification]

"I don't know, you told me that this was not a set up," Arthur mused with a smirk. He shook his head. "Just calling to tell you and to bring something up to you about dinner on Friday night."

"I was thinking about bringing Tony with me - how upset do you think Dom would be?"

[starknaked]

“I lied. Are you at all surprised?” She was definitely amusing herself, and hoping they saw the humour in it as well. “The truth is, Arthur, you needed the job and Anthony needed the arming. That I thought you would make a darling couple if you could get over your fear of being a couple was something else entirely. Though I was right. I think that is what matters most,” she said, sounding so pleased with herself.



“Well.” That she hadn’t expected. “Bring him in what way? As a date? Not as in I know but hello, Dominick, this is my date, Anthony?”

[specification]

Arthur chuckled and shook his head. "No, sadly I'm not surprised at all." She sounded proud of herself that she could get Tony and himself together. It was exactly the reason why he hadn't put it past her at all to do this.

He was silent as he looked at Tony - it was scary to say it out loud to another person outside of he and Tony. "It might involve us being inconspicuous or eating dinner in but bringing him as my date." He wasn't ashamed at all - it was just...new for the both of them. It wasn't like they could go out as a couple...new couple...just anywhere. Both of them had appearances to keep up after all.

[starknaked]

“It was needed. For both of you. It is very obvious it is what you both need.” Especially if they were looking to actually date. But she wanted to hear them say it before she made any assumptions.

Tony nodded when Arthur looked at him. With Mal and Cobb they could do this. Who knew where it might lead?

“We can do in. I can have my favorite place deliver if you would like,” she offered, wanting them both to be comfortable. “As for Dominick, he can be cordial, can’t he? I will see to it.”

[specification]

He gave Tony a small smile and rested a hand on the older man's leg. He didn't know where this was going - hadn't had something like this in years and yet he couldn't find it in himself to care and only wanted to see where it was going to go.

"I think we'd like that," he said. He would be more comfortable in - that way, they wouldn't have to worry about anyone seeing them together. "Looking forward to it, Mal."

[starknaked]

Shifting, he leaned closer to Arthur, sliding his free arm around him and pulling him close. He wanted this, no matter what it was or would become.

"As am I," she admitted with a laugh. "Darling Dominick, not so much, I'm sure. But maybe it will make him happier about us speaking, Anthony, if he knows you are attached. Or believes you are, at least."

[specification]

Arthur went in willingly, finding a comfort in Tony's arms that he hadn't imagined having or feeling. But it was a good feeling and he wanted this -- wanted to see where it went. He was, admittedly, a little surprised that she hadn't commented on how quick this was all happening.

He chuckled and rested a hand on Tony's. "Then we will see you on Friday evening."

[starknaked]

Oh there would be a lot of comments when she was face to face with them and could see if this was more than just physical attraction. Knowing that Tony had given in to the dashing Arthur, and that Arthur had given into the troublemaker that Tony was, neither of those surprised her in the least. More though, that she would have to see.

"Oh, do come early for cocktails, and so that I might see Dominick's face."

[specification]

"What time are you wanting to do cocktails," he asked. It depended on what time they finished for the day on Friday but he was sure they could get in work and still have plenty of time before making the trip to have dinner with Mal and Dom.

[starknaked]

"Let's say sixish? I'll even be lenient if you're late. Though do try and be on time. I miss you both," she said, pausing. There was concern in her voice.

"Mallorie, are you worried about Dominick," Tony asked.

"No, my loves. I am worried for you both."

[specification]

"Sixish it is, Mal," Arthur said with a smile. The smile was fleeting though and he could feel that smile tug down into a frown. "Why are you worried about us?" As far as Arthur saw it, he had always been careful -- perhaps a little too careful with certain things (especially when it came to relationships). But to know she was worried about them and he could hear the concern in her voice -- he could only wonder what it was that was going on in her head.

[starknaked]

She was quiet, considering just how to say it.

"I worry because you are both wonderful men who need to find someone else they can be happy with. Like Dominick and I have found. But you are both so... so guarded," she said, trying to find the right words. "And I worry you will run rather than enjoying your lives."

[specification]

Well, he certainly couldn't deny that. From what he knew and what he and Tony had talked about, they were both fairly guarded when it came to sharing their lives with other people in a serious matter. But, they had decided to try this and he knew, not only were they likewise guarded but they were also stubborn and if they had decided to try and see where it went - they would.

Course, that wasn't to say that that almost-sort-of-maybe scared feeling, where he felt like running away, wasn't there. It was -- he just wanted to see where this went more than that. Least for right now. "You don't have to worry about us, Mal," he said gently and looked at Tony. "We've learned that about each other today."

[starknaked]

"I will see you then, Boys," she said, believing his word for it. "Tell me. Should I warn Dominick, or will you be telling him yourself," she asked.

Tony chuckled. "Oh I don't know. I kind of like the idea of springing it on him," he admitted. "What do you think, Arthur?"

[specification]

Even Arthur had to admit, he rather enjoyed the thought of springing it on him when Tony came with him to dinner. "I have to admit," he said, considering. "I agree with Tony - I enjoy the idea of Dom being surprised. See you soon, Mal," he smiled.

[starknaked]

“Oh I am so going to owe this to him. I may make you take darling girl to the grandparents’ when you leave. Miles is in town for a semester,” she admitted. “Ta.”

She hung up before they could say a word. Tony groaned.

“I did not need to think about Dominick getting laid.”

[specification]

Arthur stayed silent for a split second before making a little face. "There are some things we just do not need to know and that was one of them," he said with a chuckle. He took the phone, turned it off before turning to Tony. "So that's done -- now where were we," he asked, arching a teasing eyebrow.

[starknaked]

Tony made a face. "Why did she do that? What did we do to deserve that," he asked, stunned and whimpering and playing because it was fun and they were enjoying it. "So... Here or home," he asked, not even having to say what it was he meant and what he wanted.

[specification]

Arthur didn't take his gaze away from Tony's. "How much further do we have to the house," he asked, running over the two options. Car...or bedroom.

"You mentioned wanting a bed this time," he said, leaning in and placing his lips on Tony's neck. "Let's wait," he whispered.

[starknaked]

"Maybe twenty minutes. Traffic isn't so bad this time of night," he noted, reaching to try and pull Arthur back onto his lap.

"Yeah, let's wait," he agreed. He wanted to be able to take his time with him this time.

[specification]

Arthur's lips quirked up when Tony tried to pull him back onto his lap. As far as he was concerned, he wanted to wait too - wanted to take their time together to indulge. *We'll wait then," he said and slipped back onto Tony's lap.

[starknaked]

“Come here,” he cooed, wrapping his arms around him. “I want you here,” he murmured. “Maybe I like having you in my arms. Even if we’re waiting. Of course, you’ll have to make sure we make it to bed and not the steps,” he teased, thinking about that with a groan.

[specification]

Arthur had to admit, he didn't mind this -- didn't mind being on Tony's lap and being in his arms. Not that he would probably admit that out loud yet, he was still getting used to it but he liked this. He chuckled and tilted his head to kiss his jaw. "I'll make sure we make it to bed," he said, shifting a little before relaxing. Tomorrow they would work but tonight they would have this.

[starknaked]

And Tony would never ask. It was enough just to have this, to hold him close and stroke his fingers along the man's back. "I have every faith in you to arrange what is needed," he said, meaning it and yet being ever so playful at the same time.

"And you'll stay in said bed," he asked, arching a brow in challenge.

[specification]

"As you should. If anything, I am a man of my word -- most of the time," Arthur granted with a chuckle. When it mattered, he was at least.

He noticed the look Tony directed at him and raised an eyebrow. "I'll stay in said bed until I think it's time to get up so we can get something accomplished tomorrow," he said. But he'd stay in bed until morning if that was the question. Just so long as Pepper didn't kick him out. "But I'll stay until morning unless I get kicked out," he teased.